Episode #141 The Power Of Making A Firm Decision

Overview

In this solo episode, Dr. Charlotte Huntley takes listeners behind the scenes of her consulting business during one of the most difficult years in recent public health history. Against a backdrop of political hostility, dismantling of key public health agencies, and stalled funding streams, she shares how her previously steady, growing firm suddenly hit a wall in 2025 and the one firm decision that became the turning point.

Dr. Huntley walks through how she moved from shock and paralysis into intentional action, re-centered on her core strengths, and leveraged relationships, service, and strategic planning to stabilize and then rebuild momentum in her epidemiology and public health consulting practice. She also explains how this experience led to the creation of a new series of programs for public health entrepreneurs focused on strategic planning, marketing and lead generation, offers and sales, systems and productivity, and mindset.

Takeaways

• A firm decision creates momentum. Clarity about what you will and will not allow—especially in the face of political and funding chaos—shifts you from paralysis into purposeful action.​

• Relationships are a primary business asset. In crisis, showing up for clients, being present in rooms and conversations, and leading with service can re-open doors and reveal new opportunities.​

• What worked before still matters. Revisiting core strengths, proven services, and existing systems is often more effective than scrambling to invent something entirely new.​

• Team buy-in is critical. Longstanding team members bring institutional knowledge and resilience; inviting them into problem-solving helps protect both jobs and impact.​

• You can thrive even if the numbers look different. Simply still being in business at the end of a destabilizing year is a form of thriving in a sector where many organizations have closed.​

• Strategic planning is the starting point. Before focusing on marketing, lead generation, sales, or systems, you need a clear strategic plan and defined goals for your business.​

• Programs born from lived experience are powerful. The new series of PHE programs is built from exactly what Dr. Huntley used in her own consulting firm to navigate 2025.​

• Entrepreneurship in public health is both emotional and strategic. Feelings of shock, grief, and anger are real—and can coexist with disciplined planning, courageous decisions, and renewed vision.​
  

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